The International Space University (ISU) hosts its 21st Space Studies Program (SSP), also referred to as the Summer Session Program, from June 30 to Aug 29 in Barcelona, Spain. The annual course features a broad curriculum of lectures, workshops and team projects covering global space activities and industries including systems engineering, law and policy, medicine, robotics, communication, astrophysics and telecommunication. The team projects provide international graduate students and young space professionals the opportunity to solve complex problems by working together in an intercultural environment. Among 2008 team project topics are spaceports and the use of space technologies for monitoring volcano hazards. An Alumni Conference and Reunion will be held on Aug 1-3 open to all students, alumni and faculty. The location for SSP08 was moved from Naples, Italy to Barcelona, which previously hosted the 1994 SSP, due to logistical reasons, according to ISU President Michael Simpson. Last year's course in Beijing, China featured 117 students from 26 countries. Through its various programs, including the SSP, Space Odyssey Institute, Executive Space Course and Masters Program, the ISU has graduated over 2,500 students from 96 countries since its founding in 1987. Next year's SSP will take place at NASA Ames Research Center in Moffett Field CA. (Credit: ISU)

Galaxy Forum USA Set For Independence Day

The Milky Way and its surrounding galaxies will be the focus of several international forums over the next few months that aim to promote galaxy awareness and education in the 21st Century, while taking a fresh look at the stars in the context of recent astrophysical research. The 1st event, 'Galaxy Forum: USA,' will take place on USA Independence Day, July 4, in Santa Clara CA. Featured speakers will include renowned galaxy artist Jon Lomberg (T) presenting the Galaxy Garden on Hawai`i Island, Yuki Takahashi (R) of UC Berkeley discussing Galaxy Observations from the South Pole, Steve Durst (C) of Space Age Publishing Company and the International Lunar Observatory Association introducing the ILO Galaxy 1st Light Imaging Program, and author Donald Goldsmith (L) talking about the Dark Side of the Milky Way. Only since Hubble's observations in 1922 has humanity become aware of its place in the Milky Way Galaxy – with its 200 billion+ stars, 270 million year period of revolution, 100,000 lightyear length, and massively energetic center. In just the past 6 months, our knowledge of the Milky Way has been revised – it is now believed to be twice as large / thick and have half as many 'arms' (from 4 to 2) as previously thought. Future forums are planned for July 26 in Vancouver, Canada following the ILOA Board of Directors Meeting, and Oct 18 at the Beijing Planetarium in China. Contact Space Age Publishing Company at 650-324-3705 for more details. (Credit: SPC, J Lomberg, D Goldsmith)